Does Your Vehicle Have a Recalled Defective Air Bag?
The Takata defective air bag recall involves an estimated 50 million air bags, one of the largest vehicle part recalls in history. While many public notices and vehicle owner alert attempts have been issued, there are still millions of vehicles with these defective air bags. These air bags have been responsible for hundreds of injuries and at least 23 deaths, three of which involved Florida residents. If you have not checked to see if your vehicle has a recalled Takata defective air bag, the NHTSA and Florida safety leaders urge you to investigate this serious safety concern.
Florida Residents at High Risk for Defective Air Bags
Southern Florida is one of the higher risk areas for vehicles with the Takata defective air bags. It is estimated that there are 459,000 vehicles with these recalled air bags that have not been replaced in Miami-Dade and Broward counties alone. This is a frightening number of residents who are driving vehicles that could have their air bag explode, especially if the car is impacted in an accident.
Air bags can save your life when they work properly. Unfortunately, the recalled Takata defective air bags are killing or injuring the people they are meant to save. Shrapnel is released when the air bags explode, usually during an accident. This can happen at any time, which is why there has been an urgent plea to owners of vehicles to have these air bags replaced immediately.
How to Check if Your Vehicle Has a Defective Air Bag
The Deputy Administrator for the NHTSA, community leaders and automakers released another public awareness campaign about the Takata defective air bags in June 2018, directed specifically to residents in South Florida. 19 different manufacturers of vehicles have used these air bags in their vehicles, so the list of affected vehicles is long. Some models are listed under a severe “do not drive” warning, including some 2006 Ford Rangers and Mazda B-Series trucks. To check if your vehicle has a defective air bag, all you need is your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Check it at NHTSA.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is on the recall list and qualifies for a free air bag replacement.
Legal Representation for Those Injured by Takata Air Bags
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective Takata air bag, contact our experienced legal team at Tison Law Group. We can help you explore your compensation options to cover medical bills, lost income and other expense. Contact our Tampa Bay office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your defective air bag case.
